HSL Color Randomizer

HSL Color Randomizer

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

HSL Color Randomizer is a powerful Adobe Illustrator script that allows you to create random color variations within specified ranges for selected objects.

Using the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) color model, it provides precise control over color randomization while maintaining the relationship between colors.

The script works with fills, strokes, and even complex objects like gradients and text, making it an invaluable tool for creating color variations, exploring color schemes, and generating unique color combinations.

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Key Features

  • Independent control over Hue, Saturation, and Lightness adjustments.
  • Real-time preview functionality.
  • Support for both RGB and CMYK document color modes.
  • Handles multiple selected objects.
  • Works with solid colors, gradients, and text objects.
  • Ability to revert to original colors.

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Installation

1. Download the Script:

  • Save the HSL Color Randomizer.jsx file to your computer.

2. Place in Scripts Folder:

  • For Mac: Copy the file to 
    /Applications/Adobe Illustrator [Version]/Presets/<Language>/Scripts/
  • For Windows: Copy the file to
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator [Version]\Presets\<Language>\Scripts\

3. Restart Illustrator:

  • If Illustrator was running during installation, restart it to recognize the new script.

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Using the script

  • Launch the Script: Go to File > Scripts > HSL Color Randomizer
  • Configure Randomization Settings: The dialog box offers the following options:

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➊ Hue Adjustment

1.1 Set the minimum hue shift value:

  • Use the slider or input field (-180° to 180°).
  • Negative values shift towards cooler colors.
  • Positive values shift towards warmer colors.

1.2 Set the maximum hue shift value:

  • This creates the range for random hue variations.

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Hue Adjustment

 

 

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➋ Saturation Adjustment

2.1 Set the minimum saturation change:

  • Use the slider or input field(-100 to 100).
  • Negative values decrease saturation.
  • Positive values increase saturation.

2.2 Set the maximum saturation change:

  • This creates the range for random saturation variations.

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Saturation Adjustment

 

 

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➌ Lightness Adjustment

3.1 Set the minimum lightness change:

  • Use the slider or input field (-100 to 100).
  • Negative values darken colors.
  • Positive values lighten colors.

3.2 Set the maximum lightness change:

  • This creates the range for random lightness variations.

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Lightness Adjustment

 

 

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➍ Finalizing Changes

  • Click OK button to apply the current adjustments.
  • Click Cancel button to revert to original colors.

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Tips for Best Results:

  • Start with smaller ranges to maintain color cohesion.
  • Use Preview mode to check results before applying.
  • For subtle variations, keep ranges within 20-30 units.
  • For dramatic changes, expand ranges to their maximum.
  • When working with gradients, adjust ranges carefully to maintain smooth transitions.

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Limitations:

⚠︎ The script does not apply adjustments to:

✖ Raster Images.
✖ Pattern Swatches.
✖ Effects/Appearances.
✖ Freeform Gradients.
✖ Gradient Meshes

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➎ Additional Features

🅰 Preview Mode:

  • Toggle the Preview checkbox to see changes in real-time.
  • Uncheck to view original colors.
  • Re-check to view adjusted colors.

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🅱 User Guide:

  • Click the icon ⏼ in the bottom right corner to access the user guide.

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Fine-Tuning:

  • Use arrow keys in input fields for precise adjustments:
  • Up/Down: Adjust by 1 unit.
  • Shift + Up/Down: Adjust by 10 units.

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Technical Notes:

  • The script automatically handles color mode conversion between RGB and CMYK.
  • Original colors are preserved until OK button is clicked.
  • All adjustments are non-destructive until finalized.
  • Works with grouped objects and compound paths.
  • Supports multiple selection of different object types.

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☻ㅤWrap-Up

The HSL Color Randomizer empowers you to break creative ruts and discover unexpected color harmonies in seconds.

By balancing precise control with playful randomness, it’s perfect for adding subtle color variations to your artwork,  generating branding palettes, gradient variations, or creating dynamic experimental designs.

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HSL Color Randomizer

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download HSL Color Randomizer

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a HSL Color Randomizer.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts.
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the HSL Color Randomizer.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the HSL Color Randomizer script to run it.
    5. The HSL Color Randomizer script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

Got questions?

Need help or have an idea to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, found a bug, have a feature request, or just want to share your feedback, reach out to us—we’re here for you! 

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